In 2018, we introduced the framework of reparative philanthropy to the sector.  Reparative philanthropy is ‘the redistribution of resources in a manner that acknowledges the extractive origins of philanthropic wealth (family or institutional) and how colonization, slavery and the forms of oppression facilitated the accumulation of wealth that philanthropy protects, grows and distributes.  Reparative philanthropy seeks to foster reconciliation and repair collective healing through acts of giving.”

Since proclaiming that “money can be medicine”, we have engaged thousands of philanthropists and community leaders with the reparative philanthropy framework and have worked intimately with a number of philanthropic institutions and organizations to support their internal journeys of truth, healing and repair. 

Given the momentum we are witnessing, DWP is launching the Reparative Philanthropy Community of Practice in order to support key leaders who are taking bold steps in leading their organizations in the critical work of addressing their institutional histories, the origins of wealth, and working to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with community through reparative actions. 

At DWP, we know that the only way towards a more loving, effective philanthropy is through addressing the long-standing colonial power structures and transitioning to a repair-based, healing approach to philanthropy.

We hope that you will consider joining a powerful, small group of peers to learn together, heal together, and to have real-time support for your leadership through this unprecedented opportunity for real change in your leadership and organization.   With support from DWP, foundations engaged in reparative philanthropy work have taken significant steps to move beyond equity to repair and healing. Some examples of steps taken include:

• Researching the origins of their wealth and making public apologies
• Moving new grant resources to Black and Indigenous communities
• Supporting movements for reparations and truth and reconciliation in communities 
• Exploring how harm is happening in their investment portfolios and taking steps to divest 
• Incorporating healing practices to support board and staff in their reparative journeys
• Redistributing large sums of endowments to communities or even deciding to spend down

Key Information

DWP is partnering with Equity In the Center to co-facilitate this community of practice. We will have an informational session on February 2, 2024 at 10am EST.  The community will launch in  March 2024 and will consist of 4 quarterly sessions (a combination of virtual and in-person) with homework and coaching available between sessions.  

Participants: We encourage participants to identify up to 2-3 people in their organizations leading the work of deepening relationships with the community through reparative actions. We recommend that at least one C-Suite/ executive staff member and a board member attend.  Through a low-lift application process, DWP will select final participants for the program.  Our goal is to be strategic about the size and intention of the community.  At this time, we welcome interest from foundations based in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.  

Program Fees Based on Asset Size:

Informational Session 

There will be an informational session on February 2, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET. In this session, we will review our reparative philanthropy model, community of practice goals and outcomes, and provide other details to support your involvement. Advanced registration is required: register here.

This session is for foundations only. A recording of the session will be available on DWP’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend. 

Tentative 2024 Session Dates

We will select one session to be in person and the remaining will be virtual.  We are looking at this range of dates, but each session will only be ONE day.  Once the final cohort is slated, we review the proposed dates to support 100% participation as much as possible. 

• Session 1: March 5-6, 2024 (virtual)
• Session 2: May 14-15, 2024 (virtual)
• Session 3: Sept 24-25, 2024 (in person- location TBD)
• Session 4: December 3-4, 2024 (virtual)

Next Steps

If you are interested in participating, please submit an application no later than February 9, 2024. The application process should take no more than 15-20 minutes. Participants will be notified by February 16th of acceptance into the cohort.